Comparing Ruger Bisley gripframe to #5 style gripframe

[wpeel]

After reading all the information and pages about RW gripframes...I can barely contain my lust.
I'm asking for those with actual experience to describe how each gripframe feels.  (Ruger Bisley vs #5)
I wear a large size glove.  I like the Ruger Bisley for the heavier recoiling stuff and the more traditional plow handle for just fun and quick shooting.
Would like some experienced based opinions before I lay down the hard-earned inflation papers.  Seems like the #5 would split the difference quite well.

[Jamey Worrell]

If you have big hands and are interested in the Wells brass grip frames, i'd go with the Wells #9. It's essentially a Keith #5 but with more length added to the bottom. When I talked to Ronnie, he mentioned that Keith had small hands, and that this grip frame was better for bigger hands. I've got it fitted to a large frame Vaquero and although I haven't had a chance to shoot it, it fits my hands better than the Keith #5 (I've got an OMBH with PC's Keith #5 fitted to it). I'll update this afternoon with pics of both side by side for comparison.

[taffin]

COLT BISLEY; #5; RUGER BISLEY:

postimg.cc/30rx31H4

[RDW]

Mar 18, 2022 22:38:30 GMT -5 wpeel said:

After reading all the information and pages about RW gripframes...I can barely contain my lust.
I'm asking for those with actual experience to describe how each gripframe feels.  (Ruger Bisley vs #5)
I wear a large size glove.  I like the Ruger Bisley for the heavier recoiling stuff and the more traditional plow handle for just fun and quick shooting.
Would like some experienced based opinions before I lay down the hard-earned inflation papers.  Seems like the #5 would split the difference quite well.

Here is a Wells # 9 in black over a Standard Bisley in Red.
This was my compromise back in the 80s to have a # 5 type shape that would use a Bisley trigger and actually have enough size to fit my Samich Grabbers.
 









And here is a Wells # 9 in Black over a Keith 5 in Red.
The trigger guard on the Keith is for the standard blackhawk trigger but also comes with the bisley trigger guard as well.


Hope that helps Bud!R

[Jamey Worrell]

Top: Wells #9 (Tyler)
Middle: Power Custom Keith #5 (Cogan)
Bottom: Ruger Bisley (Clements)

all grips: Bob Leskovec

[harveylogan]

My recent 327 Single Seven came from Ruger with a Bisley GF.
I changed it out for the RW Keith #5, and to me it fits the Single Seven/Six frame size better than the Bisley, Fit, Form & Balance.

I agree with your original thoughts that it’s just a tad bigger than the XR3-RED,,, and a tad smaller than the Bisley. Best of both.

I do like the Straight Backstrap of the Keith #5 that goes all the way to the top like the Bisley.
I prefer the Bisley Hammer, lower spur & Trigger, well curved.

I have average size hands & fingers, it’s all just real meaty.

[Fowler]

I hate to throw a wrench in the discussion but in my experience #5 grip frames vary a whole lot. The RW and Powers grip frames finally got some consistency to them but prior to them they were all custom made one at a time and the grip wouldn’t come close to being interchangeable.

My #5 is a Powers grip frame and is in between the Bisley and standard Ruger grip frames for size. I went all the way and had Persinger do a set of carved Mexican Eagle grips on it that I really like up to a 250gr bullet at 1100fps, beyond that it beats up the palm of may hand pretty bad. Smooth grips and it would be great for heavier loads in my hands.

I think it points a little better for me than the Bisley does but just barely. I know that if I had just one shot for all the marbles that my #5 is the gun I am grabbing from the safe.

[wpeel]

Thank you gentlemen, for your input. The drawings and photos were especially helpful.

[Lee Martin]

Two things I love about Ronnie's Keith #5:

1) It's a bit longer than the original
2) He has more metal on the back, upper edge. You can contour that section to your liking. I prefer a little straighter back edge as shown below:



-Lee
www.singleactions.com
"Chasing perfection five shots at a time"